Delay and Learning in Coordination

Abstract

This paper studies a coordination game with incomplete information and the option to delay. The delay option enables the agents to observe a binary signal depending on whether the early actions (e.g., investment) surpasses a threshold. The anticipation of information incentivizes agents to wait and free-ride on the information, whereas acting early can help to generate good news, and consequently induce more coordination. Relying on this trade-off, we find the unique monotone equilibrium, which features the inability of the delay option in facilitating coordination. If the waiting period is sufficiently short or the interest rate is sufficiently low, the delay option induces more inaction and makes coordination more difficult to achieve, as compared with the static case. We further discuss the theoretical implications for understanding the impact of monetary policy on economic recovery and how the accessibility of information affects financial stability.